Screening for Obesity

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) recommends that all children (aged 6 years and older) and adults be screened for
obesity
using the
body mass index
(BMI).

In addition to the BMI, your waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, or skinfold thickness measurement can also help determine if you have more body fat than is recommended.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Who is at risk for overweight and obesity.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/atrisk.html.
Accessed August 28, 2012.